In Da Club: Kelly Rossum Quintet at the Dakota

Amy Sundby

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More About

• Kelly Rossum
• Peter Frampton
• Michael Brecker
• Cootie Williams
• Chris Thompson

One forgives jazz trumpeter Kelly Rossum for his corny between-song persiflage as soon as his young quintet launches into another tune. At the Dakota last Thursday, the group was looser and tougher than on their '04 CD, Renovation, and Rossum debuted some sometimes shaky but promising new tunes. Best was "Seduction," a faintly Latin 4/4 low boiler on which Rossum played a talking muted-trumpet solo mindful of both Cootie Williams and Peter Frampton. Tenor saxist Chris Thompson ranged from pellucid Getz-like romanticism to soulful blowing not unlike Michael Brecker; Chris Lonheim was bluesy and typically quick-fingered on acoustic piano and Rhodes; and drummer JT Bateshunched over his kit, swinging and throwing in unexpected turns. Upright and five-string electric bassist Michael O'Brien'ssolos were a bit too showy and macho, but his ensemble play was as stellar as the rest of the group's.